Explore the vast range of titles available.

One of the key challenges in using natural extracts for water treatment is their biodegradability and susceptibility to microbial spoilage, which can limit storage and long-term effectiveness. This study investigates the scale inhibition capabilities of an aqueous extract of Salvia rosmarinus sp through electrochemical measurements, conductivity tests, and morphological examination. Additionally, two natural substances, Rhamnolipid and Chitosan, were evaluated as bio-preservatives to prevent mold growth and enhance the shelf life of the rosemary extract. The reasons for selecting these specific bio-preservatives include their known antimicrobial properties, antioxidant effects, environmental benefits, and suitability for the intended application. For 24 weeks, we conducted a microbial examination and assessed the anti-scaling performance of the extract in combination with the bio-preservatives. The results demonstrate that rosemary extract significantly inhibits CaCO 3 scale precipitation, attributed to the presence of carboxylate and hydroxyl groups which effectively chelate cations and disturb the normal crystal growth of the scales. Additionally, the rosemary extract-chitosan mixture exhibits superior antimicrobial and anti-scaling performance compared to the rosemary extract–rhamnolipids combination over six months. It can be concluded that a 1:2 ratio of chitosan to rosemary extract provides an effective eco-friendly scale inhibitor and reduces the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi with an extended shelf life. In this context, biosurfactants and polysaccharides present beneficial properties that offer sustainable and biological alternatives to conventional chemical biocides.

PurposeDiplectanum is a life-threatening metazoan infecting the gills of Sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax causing a wide-ranging extensive economic loss in the aquaculture sector. This study has focused on verifying the most effective non-toxic dose of the Neem (Azadirachta indica) and (flubendazole) bath treatment on infested D. labrax fingerlings.MethodsIn the first phase of the experiment, a total of 180 apparently healthy fingerlings were subdivided into six groups for each treatment. The tested concentrations were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg L−1 for A. indica and 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg L−1 for flubendazole. The second phase was conducted for one week in five groups for each treatment. The first group was untreated healthy. The remaining groups were infested and received different concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg L−1 & 0, 10, 20, and 30 mg L−1 for A. indica and flubendazole, respectively.ResultsThe most toxic dose exhibited high mortality rates at 200 & 250 and 40 & 50 mg L−1 for A. indica and flubendazole, respectively. In the second phase of the experiment, the most effective dose was 150 and 30 mg L−1; for A. indica and flubendazole, respectively. They demonstrated the lowest mortality rates 20.00 & 20.00 %, prevalence rates 43.33 & 23.33%, and mean parasitic intensities were 2.35 & 2.00 accompanied by the highest therapeutic efficacy value 67.85 & 74.6% for both treatments; respectively.ConclusionThe most effective anthelmintic efficacy has been assigned for flubendazole and A. indica at 30 and 150 mg L−1.

The revolutionary applications of seaweed extracts show promising potential to change the way of research and commercial applications based on seaweed. A commercial liquid extract (True Algae Max, TAM ® ), derived from three seaweed species ( Pterocladiella capillacea, Jania rubens , and Ulva lactuca ), contains a variety of several nutrients, bioactive compounds, and biomolecules, thereby exhibiting potent biological activities. Due to their extensive industrial use, organic dyes constitute a substantial constituent of wastewater. The adsorption process of anionic methyl orange (MO) dyes onto TAM ® in an aqueous solution as a potential and a new adsorbent has been investigated. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Mass spectra, and Infrared analysis (FT-IR) were applied to verify the adsorption performance. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to estimate the influence of several factors such as pH, the amount of TAM ® sorbent, temperature, agitating time, and initial concentration of MO dye parameters. Maximum dye adsorption of 90.34%and 46.09 mg g –1 was recorded at doses of biomass at 0.4 g and 16.88 mg g − 1 at pH 1. Adsorption kinetics data were investigated by the first, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process was followed by intraparticle diffusion models and a pseudo-second-order reaction. The investigational isotherm data were studied using four isotherm models to evaluate the adsorption equilibrium using regression analysis. With maximum sorption capacities of 156.25 mg g − 1 for MO. Regeneration of the consumed adsorbent was effectively emphasized for two cycles of desorption/sorption process for MO removal from the aqueous solution. According to the findings, TAM ® biomass is a novel, inexpensive alternative adsorbent that shows promise for removing MO from aqueous solutions. Additionally, the usage of TAM’s methanol extract exhibits substantial antibacterial action at concentrations of 500 mg ml − 1 against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and 250 mg ml − 1 against Escherichia coli .

Yucca aloifolia L. fruit ( Yucca or Spanish bayonet, family Asparagaceae) is recognized for its purplish red color reflecting its anthocyanin content, which has a powerful antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate yucca (YA) fruit extract’s protective effect on Parkinson’s disease (PD). In vitro study, the anti-inflammatory activity of yucca fruit extracts was explored by measuring tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF-R2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF- K B) to choose the most effective extract. Afterward, a detailed in vivo investigation of the protective effect of the most active extract on rotenone-induced PD was performed on male albino Wister rats. First, the safety of the extract in two different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg in 0.9% saline orally) was confirmed by a toxicological study. The rats were divided into four groups: 1) normal control (NC); 2) rotenone group; and third and fourth groups received 50 and 100 mg/kg yucca extract, respectively. The neurobehavioral and locomotor activities of the rats were tested by rotarod, open field, and forced swim tests. Striatal dopamine, renal and liver functions, and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Western blot analysis of brain tissue samples was performed for p-AMPK, Wnt3a, and β-catenin. Histopathological examination of striatal tissue samples was performed by light and electron microscopy (EM). The metabolites of the active extract were characterized using high-resolution LC-MS/MS, and the results showed the prevalence of anthocyanins, saponins, phenolics, and choline. Biochemical and histopathological tests revealed a dose-dependent improvement with oral Yucca extract. The current study suggests a possible neuroprotective effect of the acidified 50% ethanol extract (YA-C) of the edible Yucca fruit, making it a promising therapeutic target for PD.

Background Breast cancer (BC) stigma remains an understudied barrier to early detection and quality care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Yet, there is a lack of studies that assessed BC stigma among medical students worldwide; a critical gap given their future roles as healthcare providers. This study aims to explore BC stigma among medical students in Egypt and identify its associated factors. Methods A national multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic Year 2024–2025, involving a convenience sample of 2,576 medical students from eight medical faculties across Egypt’s four main regions. Data were collected through an online questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics, educational background, BC-related experiences, and knowledge of BC including students’ primary sources of information on the subject, alongside the BC-adapted Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS) that assessed six domains: Severity, Financial Discrimination, Personal Responsibility, Awkwardness, Avoidance, and Policy Opposition. Median (M) scores were computed, and non-parametric tests and multivariate linear regression were used to identify associated factors. Results The overall BC stigma score was relatively low, with a median of 2.16 (36% of the total score). However, stigma was highest in Severity and Financial Discrimination (M = 3.0 and 2.67, respectively), and lowest in Avoidance and Policy Opposition (M = 1.00 and 1.33, respectively). Significantly higher stigma scores were observed in males (M = 2.20), those living in Upper Egypt governorates and rural residents (M = 2.30 and 2.24; respectively), and those with less-than-sufficient family income (M = 2.30). The regression analysis revealed significant associations between stigma and various sociodemographic variables, including sex, age, educational year, residence, and family income ( p -values < 0.001), and BC-related questions such as history of breast problems and sufficient awareness about BC (both p  < 0.001). The primary sources of information about BC for medical students were found to be medical curricula (24.2%), internet/social media (20.0%), and healthcare professionals (16.3%). Conclusion This study provides an insight into exploring BC stigma among medical students. While the overall stigma was relatively low, significant disparities persist, particularly regarding perceived Severity among male and rural participants. Future interventions should target students with high levels of stigma through curricular reforms that incorporate anti-stigma training. Trial Registration Not applicable.

Yucca aloifolia L. fruit (Yucca or Spanish bayonet, family Asparagaceae) is recognized for its purplish red color reflecting its anthocyanin content, which has a powerful antioxidant activity. This study aimed to investigate yucca (YA) fruit extract’s protective effect on Parkinson’s disease (PD). In vitro study, the anti-inflammatory activity of yucca fruit extracts was explored by measuring tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF-R2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB) to choose the most effective extract. Afterward, a detailed in vivo investigation of the protective effect of the most active extract on rotenone-induced PD was performed on male albino Wister rats. First, the safety of the extract in two different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg in 0.9% saline orally) was confirmed by a toxicological study. The rats were divided into four groups: 1) normal control (NC); 2) rotenone group; and third and fourth groups received 50 and 100 mg/kg yucca extract, respectively. The neurobehavioral and locomotor activities of the rats were tested by rotarod, open field, and forced swim tests. Striatal dopamine, renal and liver functions, and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Western blot analysis of brain tissue samples was performed for p-AMPK, Wnt3a, and β-catenin. Histopathological examination of striatal tissue samples was performed by light and electron microscopy (EM). The metabolites of the active extract were characterized using high-resolution LC-MS/MS, and the results showed the prevalence of anthocyanins, saponins, phenolics, and choline. Biochemical and histopathological tests revealed a dose-dependent improvement with oral Yucca extract. The current study suggests a possible neuroprotective effect of the acidified 50% ethanol extract (YA-C) of the edible Yucca fruit, making it a promising therapeutic target for PD.